Stuck, stuck, stuck and frustrated

I'm really frustrated by the lack of instructions on where and when and how to install antennas. I understand that Zenith can't predict what equipment everybody wants to install but a basic guide to where and how to install an ELT, transponder and COM antenna would be nice. Without such a thing, I am stuck, stuck, stuck.

I was getting ready to rivet the fuse parts together when I realised that if I do that I can't easily get behind the baggage back to put things there. So I've been looking into where to put antennas and boxes but there are so many questions - where to locate them, how to install them, how to get at them for inspection when everything is finished etc etc. Maybe that doesn't matter, looks like lots of folks rivet them together without antennas - hard to tell. 

I'm a total beginner, relying on the manuals and the DVD and the kind folk here and at Zenith. I don't have the ability to just make something up like it seems everyone else has done in this area. Without some clear instruction I fear I am going to be stuck forever. It's too bad I am in BFE with no other home builders around.

So if anyone has some photos here that would be a good source of study for me, that would be great. I'm not up to anything fancy, just enough to be simple and to work.

Cheers

Paul

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Comment by Kevin Collins on February 19, 2013 at 3:23pm
my com antenna is in roof of baggage compartment which makes it accessable for maint work not that an antenna should need maint - but u never know, I don't have elt, or transponder so cant offer any advise there, chin up, it will all look better tomorrow. cheers - colly.
Comment by Jimmy Young on February 19, 2013 at 2:36pm

Paul,

Most everyone will get frustrated & p.o.'d during a build, especially first time builders which I was one as well. There are answers, you just have to look at build photos and ask for advice. It always looks better in the morning.

If you would like to look at my photos, you will find one showing where I put my ELT under the baggage floor. Had to install an access panel I bought from George Race at mykitairplane.com that worked very well. It's easily accessible & out of the way. I installed my antennae on the fuse top right behind the skylight and used an extra wing access panel as a doubler. My reception and transmission is excellent. I mounted the ELT antennae in the same area near the edge of the fuse.

There are many ways to properly do the same thing, such as running fuel lines or routing wiring harnesses. I'd suggest you take a trip up to the West Coast Zenith dealer, look at a couple of 750 projects and pick their brain a little to get some ideas. I went to the Hangar Day events 2 times during my build and got a lot of good advice, plus I made trips to other builders homes to see how they were doing things which helps tremendously. Main thing is, just accept the fact there will be moments of frustration and moments of joy, and every day there is less to do, and one day you are done!

Hang in there -

Jim

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